10 Enjoyable Money Books for the Beach
Whether you’re planning a week of lounging by the pool or heading to the beach for sun-soaked relaxation, bringing along a good book is a wise way to unwind while enjoying the sunshine. Often, we struggle to find the opportunity to educate ourselves on the important topic of personal finance. Having control over our finances translates to greater freedom, more time, and expanded choices.
The following ten books are not only informative but also engaging reads that will inspire you to take charge of your financial life. Most are available in various formats—including eBooks and audiobooks—and can often be found for free at your local library. (Also check out: 6 Personal Finance Books You Should Consider Reading)
1. You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen Sincero
“If my broke ass can get rich, you can too.” This motivating quote from Jen Sincero, a #1 New York Times best-selling author, is an excellent reason to pick up You Are a Badass at Making Money and read it from start to finish.
With a playful tone and a candid approach, Sincero recounts her journey from financial struggle, living on inexpensive junk food, to achieving wealth. In just a few years, she transformed herself from a financial disaster into a successful money expert ready to share her secrets. Whether you’re reading it by the beach, in the tub, or snuggled up on the couch, this book will ignite your inspiration to change your financial narrative.
2. Money for Nothing: One Man’s Journey through the Dark Side of Lottery Millions by Edward Ugel
Winning the lottery sounds like a dream come true, right? All that money, no job, and no worries about expenses. However, Edward Ugel’s gripping and humorous book warns to be careful what you wish for. He explores the challenges and pitfalls faced by lottery winners, exposing the unsettling reality behind legalized gambling that shapes modern American culture. From scams designed to entice players to how sudden wealth can weigh heavily on its recipients, Money for Nothing is a must-read, aptly described by The Oregonian as “a jackpot of sleaze and hilarity.”
3. Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together by Erin Lowry
Despite the title’s mention of “millennial,” Erin Lowry’s advice is applicable to anyone feeling trapped in a cycle of living paycheck-to-paycheck. With soaring student debt and limited job prospects, her insights resonate particularly well with this generation. Lowry encourages readers to reassess their finances and regain control.
This is not a dull guide filled with dry financial jargon. It’s packed with humorous anecdotes and effective, straightforward tips. Broke Millennial provides a refreshing perspective and empowers readers to handle their financial issues without any sense of shame or condescension. Plus, it offers advice for navigating financial discussions with partners.
4. Dollars and Sense: How We Misthink Money and How to Spend Smarter by Dr. Dan Ariely and Jeff Kreisler
If you’re a fan of TED talks, you may be familiar with Dan Ariely, a leading behavioral economist known for his engaging presentations on decision-making and job satisfaction.
In collaboration with writer and comedian Jeff Kreisler, they tackle financial topics with humor and engaging insights. They explore intriguing questions like “Why does spending money sometimes feel painful?” and “What explains our willingness to pay more for items on vacation than at home?” As you immerse yourself in Dollars and Sense, you’ll enhance your understanding of money and human behavior, ultimately arming yourself to avoid common spending pitfalls.
5. Panic: The Story of Modern Financial Insanity by Michael Lewis
The stock market is known for its unpredictable nature, and in Panic, Michael Lewis analyzes the most significant financial crashes in recent history. Don’t worry, this isn’t just a dry analysis of figures. Lewis, acclaimed for his humor and thought-provoking writing, delves into the causes of disasters like the 1987 market crash and the subprime mortgage crisis that devastated lives.
While tackling critical topics, Lewis maintains an entertaining narrative style, much like in his previous works, including the well-known book Moneyball. Get ready for an eye-opening journey through the considerable financial events that have shaped our world.
6. Real Money Answers for Every Woman: How to Win the Money Game With or Without a Man by Patrice C. Washington
Despite the title, Patrice C. Washington’s book is beneficial for everyone. The straightforward, Q&A format makes it accessible for both quick reads and more in-depth engagement. Washington reflects on her personal journey from being a reckless spender to mastering her finances and building a successful real estate business by age 25. Her insights extend to managing credit card debt, homeownership, affordable childcare, and career negotiations.
Grab a copy to discover the financial habits that can set you on the path to living the abundant life you’ve always envisioned.
7. Get Smart!: How to Think and Act Like the Most Successful and Highest-Paid People in Every Field by Brian Tracy
Esteemed business expert, speaker, and author Brian Tracy shares his valuable insights in Get Smart!. The book is packed with straightforward concepts complemented by practical exercises. Tracy reveals that the average person utilizes only a small fraction of their mental capabilities, suggesting that by mimicking the thought processes of successful individuals, we can unlock our full potential and secure our financial futures.
The essence of this book emphasizes that whether you believe you can succeed or not, you’re likely correct. Embrace positive thinking and harness it to cultivate success in your current endeavors or future aspirations.
8. F.U. Money: Make As Much Money As You Damn Well Want And Live Your Life As You Damn Well Please! by Dan Lok
Any book discussing “F.U. Money” promises an engaging read. This concept refers to the financial security that allows you to quit a job you dislike and alleviate money-related stress. Conversations around the office often revolve around what one would say to an irritating boss with the comfort of F.U. Money. This book empowers readers to escape uninspiring jobs and create their paths to fulfilling careers.
With life being relatively short, why spend it in a job you despise? Lok provides the strategies needed to forge your desired lifestyle without relying on traditional employment.
9. How Come That Idiot’s Rich And I’m Not? by Robert Shemin
How many times have you questioned why certain individuals seem wealthy while you’re struggling? Shemin addresses this in a practical, amusing manner, inviting readers to explore the disparities in wealth and freedom. This book avoids being didactic; instead, it motivates you to consider how you too can reach financial prosperity.
10. The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck: How to Stop Spending Time You Don’t Have with People You Don’t Like Doing Things You Don’t Want to Do by Sarah Knight
While not strictly a finance book, Knight’s humorous guide provides valuable insights for improving life. It’s a perfect light read for your beach trip that will have you laughing and considering ways to simplify your existence. Knight introduces the “NotSorry” method—helping you declutter your mental space by letting go of unnecessary worries and distractions.
By freeing yourself from trivial concerns, you can redirect your focus toward what truly matters, including managing your finances and pursuing income from genuine passions. Don’t miss out on the audiobook, which is delivered with great enthusiasm by Knight herself.
